Embarking on an educational journey across continents can be transformative, a sentiment echoed by Kimberly Wainscoat and her daughter, Grace, who journeyed from the San Francisco Bay Area to immerse themselves in the vibrant academic and cultural environment of John Cabot University In Rome. Their story, a testament to the enduring allure of Rome and the unique opportunities at JCU, unfolds as a dual narrative of personal and intellectual discovery. Grace first arrived in 2017 as an undergraduate, and now, while pursuing law at the University of San Francisco, her mother Kimberly is currently enriching her life with a Master of Arts in Art History at the very same institution Grace once called home.
The Discovery of JCU: A Mother-Daughter Connection
For Grace, the path to John Cabot University in Rome was paved by her mother’s insight. “My mom brought JCU to my awareness,” Grace recalls, highlighting the familial connection that sparked her initial interest. Uncertain about her academic direction but deeply rooted in her Italian heritage, Grace was drawn to the prospect of reconnecting with her cultural background and exploring Italian history and language. A gap year in Florence solidified her desire to return to Italy, leading her to discover the ideal setting at JCU.
Kimberly and Grace Wainscoat
Initially majoring in art history, Grace’s academic horizons broadened at John Cabot University in Rome. She embraced humanities classes, including philosophy and on-site courses that leveraged Rome’s unparalleled historical landscape. The international community and supportive faculty, notably Professor Inge Hansen, who taught Ancient Roman art history, deeply enriched her experience. “I felt empowered by the professors and the way they treated me with dignity and respect,” Grace shares, a sentiment that would later resonate with her mother. This positive undergraduate experience led Grace to enthusiastically recommend Professor Hansen to Kimberly when she, too, chose to study at JCU, creating a unique mother-daughter academic lineage at the university.
From Vicarious Living to Personal Enrichment: Kimberly’s MA Journey at JCU
Kimberly’s decision to pursue a Master’s degree at John Cabot University in Rome was inspired by Grace’s transformative experience. With an undergraduate degree in Theater Arts and a long-held fascination with ancient history, Kimberly felt a pull towards Italy as Grace explored her own academic path there. “I was sort of living vicariously through Grace,” Kimberly admits. As her youngest child approached adulthood, Kimberly seized the opportunity to fulfill a personal aspiration: “I promised myself that when my youngest turned 18, I would come here and do it.”
Choosing JCU for her Master’s was a natural progression. Impressed by Grace’s accounts of the university, Kimberly was particularly drawn to the on-site courses, recognizing the unparalleled value of studying art history in Rome itself. “I wanted to learn more about Italian culture and the history of Rome, so the on-site courses were what ultimately drew me in,” Kimberly explains. This immersive approach to learning, unique to John Cabot University in Rome, offered an experience far beyond what a classroom in San Francisco could provide. The shared experience has profoundly enriched their relationship. “It’s like we speak a similar language now: we are connected in a way we had never been before,” Kimberly reflects, highlighting the unexpected depth of their mother-daughter bond strengthened by their shared JCU journey.
Academic Crossroads and Lasting Impact: Grace’s Evolving Path
Interestingly, Grace’s academic journey took a turn while at John Cabot University in Rome. Immersed in diverse ideas within her philosophy classes, particularly Professor Tom Bailey’s exploration of ethics, nature, and climate change, Grace’s academic interests evolved. “I remember being particularly impressed with Professor Tom Bailey’s classes, where we analyzed the connection between philosophy and climate change, and the human impact on it,” Grace recalls. Professor Bailey’s mentorship and the intellectual environment at JCU spurred her to shift her focus to Society and Environment at the University of California at Berkeley.
This pivot, though leading her away from JCU for her undergraduate degree completion, was fundamentally shaped by her time in Rome. “So, even though I didn’t stay at JCU, it still had a huge impact on me,” Grace acknowledges. The interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on critical thinking at John Cabot University in Rome equipped her with a unique perspective that proved invaluable. Even securing a scholarship was linked to her experiences in Professor Bailey’s class, illustrating the tangible benefits of her JCU foundation. Now in law school specializing in animal law, Grace confidently traces a direct line from her JCU experience to her current career path, attesting to the university’s enduring influence.
A Welcoming Community for All Ages: Kimberly’s Non-Traditional Student Experience
Kimberly’s experience as a mature student at John Cabot University in Rome has been overwhelmingly positive. Finding camaraderie with other non-traditional students and warm acceptance from younger peers, Kimberly has thrived in JCU’s inclusive environment. “Most of the students are my daughter’s age, and they have been very helpful and welcoming,” she notes, emphasizing the supportive atmosphere that transcends age differences. The collaborative spirit extends to academics, with younger students, often with undergraduate degrees in art history, readily offering assistance. This creates an “intimate and supportive environment” that Kimberly enthusiastically recommends to others.
The transformative impact of her studies, particularly Professor Hansen’s art history class, has been profound. Kimberly describes a shift in perspective, moving from a static view of art history to recognizing its dynamic and relevant nature. “It’s given me a new perspective on the world and life itself: 2000 years ago suddenly no longer seems so far away,” Kimberly marvels, highlighting the unique ability of John Cabot University in Rome to bridge historical distances and foster a living connection with the past.
Future Paths Forged in Rome: Law and Art History
Looking ahead, Grace is poised to graduate from law school in Spring 2025 and embark on a career in environmental and animal law in Berkeley. Her passion for strategic advocacy, particularly in climate change and animal protection, reflects the values instilled and nurtured during her formative years, including her time at JCU.
For Kimberly, the journey of discovery continues within art history. Her experience at John Cabot University in Rome has not only enriched her understanding of art but has also fostered personal growth and a renewed perspective on life. The mother and daughter’s shared experience at JCU underscores the university’s capacity to inspire individuals at different life stages, fostering intellectual curiosity and personal transformation within the captivating backdrop of Rome.
Advice for Aspiring Global Learners
Grace offers encouraging words to prospective students considering studying abroad: “The idea of going abroad may seem daunting, but I think it is extremely transformative and can be an amazing experience. There is no reason to shy away from it.” Rome, she assures, quickly becomes home, a sentiment echoed by countless JCU students. She emphasizes the unique opportunity to pursue a full four-year degree at John Cabot University in Rome, a deeply immersive experience that extends far beyond a semester abroad. Witnessing her mother’s intellectual blossoming has further solidified Grace’s belief in the lasting impact of JCU. “She is a writer and a scholar, but now she’s also become an art historian,” Grace proudly notes, recounting a recent museum visit where Kimberly’s JCU-enhanced knowledge shone. Their combined experiences powerfully illustrate the profound and enduring influence of John Cabot University in Rome, a place where personal and academic renaissances truly flourish.
